Have you ever wandered down a narrow lane barely noticing a humble courtyard? That’s exactly where we stand now in front of the Xiaohaishe Hutong. This unassuming alleyway holds a significant piece of Beijing’s history. It’s the birthplace of Lao She a celebrated writer.
The Xiaohaishe Hutong or Little Willow House Hutong is more than just a place. It’s a living testament to Lao She’s life. His childhood unfolded within these very walls. He spent his formative years here. The alleyway itself is remarkably small. It’s almost hidden from view. This is perhaps why it was once called the Xiaoxiao Hutong. The name Xiaoxiao Hutong meaning Small Sheep Pen Hutong.
Lao She’s descriptions in his autobiographical short story “My Childhood” vividly paint a picture of Xiaohaishe Hutong. He describes the hutong as a narrow passage. It was winding like the body of a silkworm. The description perfectly captures the essence of the place. He details the small size and the curve of the hutong. His words transport us back in time. We can almost hear the laughter of children playing.
The house number 8 was where Lao She was born. He lived there in 1899. The family was poor. His father was a guard in the Forbidden City. His father died when Lao She was young. His mother struggled to raise him and his siblings. She worked hard to support the family. She even took in laundry. They lived in a dilapidated house within the hutong. Lao She’s childhood was filled with both hardship and simple joys. He played games like tossing bean cakes and spinning tops.
Despite the poverty Lao She’s childhood experiences left a lasting mark. His memories shaped his later writing. He often recounted stories of the hutong. His experiences provided rich material for his stories. He described his childhood home in detail. He described the dilapidated walls and the old courtyard. He also described the two jujube trees which stood sentinel in the courtyard.
Today Xiaohaishe Hutong is a quieter place. It’s a far cry from its bustling past. However the memory of Lao She still lingers. House numbers 8 and 2 are recognized as protected structures. They stand as symbols of Lao She’s legacy. They are reminders of his contribution to Chinese literature. This unassuming alleyway continues to whisper tales of the past. It silently invites us to reflect on the life of a great writer. Remember when you leave here the extraordinary story of Lao She’s life that began in this seemingly insignificant lane.